U.S. patent application number 10/503772 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for holder for an electronic device.
Invention is credited to Lange, Thorsten, Templin, Frank.
Application Number | 20050090301 10/503772 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27674567 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050090301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lange, Thorsten ; et
al. |
April 28, 2005 |
Holder for an electronic device
Abstract
The present invention relates to a holder for an electronic
device, wherein the holder includes a receptacle that is
specifically configured for the electronic device, a base device
which includes an integrated electrical connection element, which
is independent of the receptacle, for establishing an electrical
connection between the electronic device and an electrical unit,
and fixing parts for establishing a detachable mechanical
connection between the base device and the receptacle.
Inventors: |
Lange, Thorsten;
(Mindelheim, DE) ; Templin, Frank; (Munchen,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD, LLC
P. O. BOX 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
27674567 |
Appl. No.: |
10/503772 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 3, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE03/00301 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/575.8 ;
455/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0078 20130101;
B60R 11/0241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/575.8 ;
455/100 |
International
Class: |
H04B 001/034 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 6, 2002 |
DE |
102 04 887.8 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A holder for an electronic device, wherein the electronic
device includes an electrical connection element, the holder
comprising: a receptacle specifically configured for the electronic
device; a base device, wherein the base device includes an
integrated electrical connection element, independent of the
receptacle, for direct connection to the electrical connection
element of the electronic device for establishing an electrical
connection between the electronic device and an electrical unit;
and fixing parts for establishing a detachable mechanical
connection between the base device and the receptacle.
18. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
wherein the fixing parts fix the electrical connection element of
the base device in such a position that an electrical connection is
established for the electronic device upon the electronic device
reaching a defined retaining position in the holder.
19. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
wherein the receptacle includes, at least in part, a complimentary
shape to an external shape of at least a part of the electronic
device.
20. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
wherein the base device includes parts for operating the electronic
device.
21. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
further comprising an adapter for establishing the electrical
connection between the electronic device and the electrical unit,
wherein the adapter is disposed between the electronic device and
the electrical connection element of the base device.
22. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
wherein the electrical unit includes a control unit.
23. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
wherein the electrical unit includes a power supply unit.
24. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
wherein the electronic device is at least one of a data processing
unit, an input module of a data processing unit, an output module
of a data processing unit, and an input/output module of a data
processing unit.
25. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
wherein the electronic device includes at least part of a mobile
telecommunications terminal device.
26. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 25,
wherein the electrical unit includes an aerial unit.
27. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 26,
further comprising a second electrical connection element for
establishing an electrical connection between the electronic device
and the aerial unit.
28. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 17,
wherein the base device includes parts for fixing to a support.
29. A holder for an electronic device as claimed in claim 28,
wherein the support is part of a vehicle.
30. A receptacle for fixing an electronic device to a base device,
wherein the electronic device includes an electrical connection
element, and the base device includes an integrated electrical
connection element independent of the receptacle for direct
connection to the electrical connection element of the electronic
device for establishing an electrical connection between the
electronic device and an electrical unit, the receptacle
comprising: fixing parts for establishing a detachable mechanical
connection to the base device; and a recess portion for accepting
the electrical connection element of the base device, wherein the
receptacle is specifically configured for the electronic
device.
31. A base device for an electronic device, wherein the electronic
device includes an electrical connection element, the base device
comprising: an integrated electrical connection element for direct
connection to the electrical connection element of the electronic
device for establishing an electrical connection between the
electronic device and an electrical unit; and fixing parts for
establishing a detachable mechanical connection between the base
device and a receptacle specifically configured for the electronic
device, wherein the electrical connection element of the base
device is independent of the receptacle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a holder for an electronic
device, wherein the holder includes a receptacle that is configured
specifically for the electronic device, and further includes a base
device connected to the receptacle.
[0002] Holders configured specifically for electronic devices are
known in the state of the art. For instance, German patent DE 198
50 044 C1 describes a mobile-phone holder for a vehicle which
includes a base part for permanent fixing in the vehicle and a
mobile-phone holder part that can be attached to the base part. The
mobile phone is connected to the electrical supply of the vehicle
and to the phone aerial of the vehicle via a connecting cable
permanently connected to the mobile-phone holder part. This
electrical connection to the vehicle supply and the aerial must be
permanently installed; typically by suitable specialists, such as
vehicle workshops or vehicle electricians. One disadvantage of the
described mobile-phone holder for a vehicle is that if the vehicle
owner wants to use a different type of mobile phone that no longer
fits in the original mobile-phone holder part because of its
different design, he/she must use a new mobile phone holder part.
This again needs to be connected to the relevant vehicle electrical
system by specialists, presenting difficulties when changing the
mobile phone and the associated replacement of the holder. Parallel
use of several different mobile phones is not possible in a vehicle
if they do not fit in the same holder.
[0003] In addition, a two-piece holder for a mobile phone is known
from Swedish patent application SE 98 02 106 A, which includes a
"cradle" designed to fit the shape of the mobile phone, and a
holder that can be fixed in a vehicle. The complete holder is
assembled by fixing the cradle onto the holder. If the holder is
fixed in the vehicle, then the mobile phone can be fixed in the
vehicle by inserting it into the cradle. The system is adapted to
suit different mobile phone models by replacing the cradle, while
the holder can remain permanently fixed in the vehicle. The
disadvantage of this solution is that additional cables are
required to electrically connect the mobile phone to external units
such as loudspeakers or aerials, and such cables are not located in
fixed positions in the vehicle when the mobile phone is not in use.
If the mobile phone is mounted in the holder and is meant to be
connected to the external electrical units, one must first locate
the relevant cable and then connect its associated connector to the
mobile phone, which can be a time-consuming process due to the
small size of typical plug-in connections.
[0004] Therefore, the present invention is directed toward a holder
for an electronic device which enables an easy-to-establish
electrical connection between the electronic device and an external
electrical unit, wherein the holder easily adapts to suit different
electronic devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, a holder for an electronic device is provided
which includes,
[0006] a receptacle configured specifically for the electronic
device;
[0007] a base device having an integrated electrical connection
element, which is independent of the receptacle, for establishing
an electrical connection between the electronic device and an
electrical unit; and
[0008] fixing parts for establishing a detachable mechanical
connection between the base device and the receptacle.
[0009] The use of receptacles configured specifically for an
electronic device or a device product line results in it being
possible to adapt the holder to suit different electronic devices
or device product lines. Since the base device includes an
electrical connection element that is independent of the receptacle
and keeps its same position irrespective of the receptacle used,
the electrical connection elements between the base device and an
external electrical unit need not be changed when replacing the
receptacle.
[0010] The electrical connection element being independent of the
receptacle in this context, to the shape and position of the
electrical connection element of the base device being independent
of the position of the receptacle relative to the base device. As
such, for example, upon removing the receptacle from the base
device, the electrical connection element keeps its same shape and
position.
[0011] The receptacle and base device may be mechanically connected
using the fixing parts, after which the holder is in a ready-to-use
condition. The fixing parts must ensure a durable connection
between the receptacle and base device. This connection is
reversible and always may be detached with comparative ease so
that, when a different electronic device is used, a receptacle
configured specifically therefore can be connected to the base
device.
[0012] Thus, the holder according to the present invention combines
the advantage of easy adaptability of the holder to suit different
electronic devices with the additional advantage that, when using
different receptacles, the electrical connection elements, located
on/in the base device, for establishing electrical connections
between the electronic device and external electrical units may
remain the same.
[0013] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is
obtained when the fixing parts fix the electrical connection
element in such a way that an electrical connection is made for the
electronic device upon reaching a defined retaining position. The
defined retaining position is, in general, the position in which
the electronic device lies when it has been inserted in the holder
and in which it is meant to remain for a certain time either for
use or for safekeeping. In general, the electronic device is held
in this position by special retaining elements such as clips,
projections or catches. With respect to the holder according to the
present invention, these retaining elements are mainly located on
the specifically configured receptacle as they are generally
adapted to suit the shape and function of the electronic
device.
[0014] The above-described embodiment of the holder according to
the present invention has the advantage that, upon inserting the
device in the holder, no additional effort is needed in order to
make the electrical connection. The electrical connection is
automatically made when engaging the electronic device in the
holder, thus avoiding, for example, plugging in a connector by hand
and hence increasing the user-friendliness of the holder.
[0015] The fixing parts for establishing a detachable mechanical
connection between the base device and the receptacle are
preferably mechanical parts such as screws, catches, channels,
keying or combinations thereof. For example, the receptacle and the
base device can be designed in such a way that areas of the one
device have a shape which is matched by a corresponding
complementary shape of areas of the other device, whereby bringing
together the receptacle and the base device creates a complimentary
fit between these two parts which then connects them together. For
example, the base device may have a T-shaped longitudinal shoulder
facing a complementary-shaped channel formed in the receptacle. One
or more catches or one or more screws, or a combination thereof,
may be provided, for example, for additional fixing of the base
device relative to the receptacle. In sum, all mechanical parts
effecting such a fit between receptacle and base device are
advantageously suitable as fixing parts. Besides mechanical fixing
parts for establishing a detachable mechanical connection between
the base device and the receptacle, fixing parts based on magnetic
forces or other fixing parts such as Velcro-type fasteners, also
may be used.
[0016] To make it easier to insert the electronic device in the
holder as well as to fix the electronic device more robustly
therein, it is advantageous if the receptacle, at least in part,
has a complementary shape to the external shape of at least one
area of the electronic device. By shaping in this way, a user of
the receptacle sees, even before inserting the electronic device,
its position in the receptacle, thereby making the electronic
device easier and quicker to insert in the holder. In addition,
this shaping to fit provides even better fixing of the electronic
device in the defined retaining position, thereby resulting in a
more robust holding mechanism for the electronic device that is
less sensitive to vibrations.
[0017] The holder according to the present invention also may be
used for holding smaller electronic devices. Since such devices,
generally, also have correspondingly small control elements, it may
be advantageous if the base device includes parts for operating the
electronic device. This simplifies operation of the electronic
device when it is located in the holder. When using different
electronic devices with the same holder, the same operating parts
on the base device may respectively control different functions of
the different electronic devices in each case.
[0018] Adapting the holder of the present invention to different
electronic devices is further simplified if the holder additionally
includes an adapter for establishing the electrical connection
between the electronic device and the electrical connection
element. In the case of plug-in connections, this may be an
adapter, for example, between a plug-type electrical connection
element on the base device and the corresponding mating piece on
the electronic device. In this case, for example, the adapter can
be plugged directly onto the electrical connection element. In
addition, it is possible to integrate the adapter in the
receptacle, the adapter then having to be mounted on the receptacle
in such a way that when the receptacle and base device are
connected and the electronic device has been inserted in the
holder, the adapter is in contact with the electrical connection
element and the electronic device. This enables even greater
flexibility in adapting the holder to suit different electronic
devices. This embodiment enables the use of different electronic
devices using the holder according to the present invention even
when the different electronic devices are fitted with electrical
connectors of different designs.
[0019] The holder according to the present invention is
advantageously suited to connect an electronic device to external
control equipment. For example, this may be a unit for controlling
functions of the electronic device, or add-on devices connected to
the control unit. Such control equipment may be computers, for
example, which exchange data with the electronic device or compare
data with data saved on the electronic device. In addition, the
control equipment may be connected to external input and/or output
modules for the electronic device, for example, and control the
output of data such as characters, images and/or sounds, for
instance.
[0020] The electrical unit that can be connected to the electronic
device also may be a power supply unit which can be used to supply
the electronic device with electrical power, for example, and/or,
in the case of a battery operated device, to recharge the
batteries.
[0021] The holder is advantageously suited to holding electronic
devices that are data processing units or input and/or output
modules of data processing units. Such data processing units may be
organizers or personal digital assistants (PDSs), for example.
Input and/or output modules of data processing units may be
touch-screens, monitors or integral input/output devices for
computers. In addition, the electronic device may include at least
one part of a mobile telecommunications terminal device. For
example, this may be the telecommunications terminal device itself,
a part of a mobile telecommunications terminal device or a device
that contains a mobile telecommunications module. In the context of
this embodiment of the holder according to the present invention,
it can be useful for the electrical unit which can be connected to
the telecommunications device to contain an aerial unit.
[0022] Both the organizers and PDAs cited as well as the mobile
telecommunications terminal devices are electronic devices which
are nearly always carried with the user. Since these devices are
often operated with batteries, a holder having an electrical
connection for charging the batteries is quite advantageous. In
addition, it is often necessary to compare data saved in the
organizers, PDAs and mobile telecommunications terminal devices
with data such as addresses, phone numbers, dates or to-do lists
saved on external computers. This comparison also can be performed
via the connection element mounted on the holder according to the
present invention.
[0023] Today's extremely rapid innovation cycles of often just six
months or a year for the aforementioned electronic devices require
that devices need to be changed frequently in order to be able to
work with state-of-the-art devices. In this situation it is not
desirable, however, that the connections (often permanently
installed) to the external electrical units be re-installed every
time. Here, the holder according to the present invention has the
advantage that it can be adapted to suit each new device without
needing to change the electrical connection elements to external
electrical units.
[0024] When the electronic device intended for the holder contains
at least a part of a mobile telecommunications terminal device, it
also may be advantageous that the holder includes a second
electrical connection element for establishing an electrical
connection between the electronic device and an aerial unit. For
example, when using a telecommunications terminal device that has
been inserted in the holder, the electrical connection element can
establish a connection between the telecommunications terminal
device and a power supply unit and/or a control unit for a
loudspeaker, for example. The telecommunications terminal device
can be coupled to an external aerial, for example, via the second
electrical connection element. The telecommunications terminal
device then may be coupled to an external aerial via the second
electrical connection element, for example. This advantageously
allows the use of loudspeakers installed in specific locations, as
hands-free equipment in vehicles or in conference rooms, for
example, and aerials.
[0025] To enable the base device to be fixed to a wall or to any
object, the base device of the holder according to the present
invention also includes parts for fixing to a support. This
provides particular versatility for mounting the holder in the
user's surroundings. By fixing the base device, the holder does not
wobble or slip, for example, when inserting the electronic device,
thereby increasing the user-friendliness of the holder. As such,
for fixing the base device on the support, screws, adhesive, hooks,
magnets or similar fixing parts may be used.
[0026] The holder according to the present invention advantageously
may be used in a vehicle, the aforementioned support then being a
component of the vehicle. With vehicles, one has the particular
problem that when kept in the vehicle, electronic devices are meant
to be connected to external electrical units such as power supply
units (for charging the batteries), aerials (for reducing the
electromagnetic radiation to the head of the user) or control units
(hands-free equipment, which may be connected to a car radio
(muting)). On leaving the vehicle, however, it must be possible for
the user to easily take the electronic device with him/her. In the
same way, on getting into the vehicle it should be possible to
insert the electronic device easily into the holder, substantially
in one movement, while simultaneously making contact with the
external electrical units. The holder according to the present
invention is suitable for use in a vehicle because the holder can
be adapted to different electronic devices without changing the
electrical connection elements located in and on the base device;
thus, the electrical section of the holder so to speak, can remain
permanently in the vehicle.
[0027] The present invention additionally includes a receptacle for
fixing an electronic device to a base device having an electrical
connection element, which is independent of the receptacle, for
establishing an electrical connection between the electronic device
and an electrical unit. The receptacle:
[0028] is configured specifically for the electronic device;
[0029] include fixing parts for establishing a detachable
mechanical connection to a base device; and
[0030] include a recess for the electrical connection element.
[0031] Such a receptacle has the same advantages as the holder
described above. It enables retention of an electronic device while
simultaneously connecting the electronic device to an electrical
unit. In order to retain the device, the receptacle is connected to
a base device which can be used with a multiplicity of different
receptacles and, hence, with a multiplicity of electronic
devices.
[0032] The described receptacle also solves the aforementioned
problem. The receptacle is designed so that an electrical
connection between electronic device and the electrical unit can be
established by the electrical connection element located on the
base device. Since the mechanical connection between the receptacle
designed to suit the electronic device and the base device is
detachable, when replacing the electronic device a receptacle
designed to suit the new device can be mounted on the base device
without needing to replace the electrical connection parts. The
recess made in the receptacle for the electrical connection element
ensures that the electronic device has access to the electrical
connection element. Thus, the described receptacle also enables
easy adaptation of a holder to suit different electronic
devices.
[0033] The receptacle, the electronic device, the base device and
the fixing parts also may be advantageously designed as described
in the above text.
[0034] The present invention additionally includes a base device
for an electronic device, which include:
[0035] an electrical connection element for establishing an
electrical connection between the electronic device and an
electrical unit; and
[0036] fixing parts for establishing a detachable mechanical
connection between the base device and a receptacle configured
specifically for the electronic device, wherein the electrical
connection element is independent of the receptacle.
[0037] The base device according to the present invention can be
connected to various receptacles configured specifically for
different electronic devices, and therefore may be adapted easily
to suit different electronic devices. An electrical connection
between the electronic device and the electrical unit can be
established via the electrical connection element mounted on the
base device. Since the electrical connection element is independent
of the receptacle, when changing the electronic device, the
receptacles configured specifically for the device in question can
be replaced without requiring time-consuming replacement of the
electrical connection elements. Thus, this base device also solves
the aforementioned problem.
[0038] Also in this case, the base device, electrical connection
element, fixing parts and receptacle also may be advantageously
designed as described in the above text.
[0039] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed
Description of the Invention and the Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0040] FIG. 1 shows the modular construction of the vehicle holder
according to the present invention for a mobile communications
terminal device.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows the detailed rear view of the receptacle
according to the present invention of the vehicle holder shown in
FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows the receptacle shown in FIG. 2 with an aerial
adapter cable additionally attached.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows the assembled vehicle holder shown as separate
modules in FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows the rear view of the assembled vehicle holder
shown as separate modules in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIG. 1 shows the individual modules of a holder HAL
according to the present invention for holding a mobile phone in a
vehicle, where the receptacle AE is provided for holding the mobile
phone which is held in the intended retaining position by a clip
HM1 and projections HM2. The receptacle may be fixed to a base
device BE by a screw through a hole OE3, for example. A hole OE4 is
used to take an external aerial connector that may be fixed in the
hole OE4 using a latch BM3.
[0046] The aerial connector ST2 is part of an aerial adapter cable
ANE also shown in FIG. 1 with which the mobile phone can be
connected to the aerial unit of the vehicle via the connector ST2,
a lead L2 and another connector ST3.
[0047] The associated base device BE is also shown in FIG. 1. This
includes a connector ST1 as an integrated electrical connection
element, with which the mobile phone can be connected via a line L1
to an external vehicle module and/or a power supply unit. In
addition, the base device BE includes control elements BED1, BED2,
BED3. The central control element BED2 can be used to accept an
incoming call. The control elements BED 1 and BED3, respectively,
may be used to adjust the volume of the external hands-free unit of
the mobile phone. The base device BE may be fixed in the vehicle as
support using two screws through holes OE1 and OE2, for example.
The base device BE may be connected to the receptacle AE by a
T-shaped longitudinal shoulder BM1 and a complementary-shaped
channel BM2 formed in the receptacle (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0048] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the receptacle AE shown in FIG.
1. Besides the holes OE3, OE4 for fixing the receptacle AE to the
base device BE and for taking the aerial connector ST2, the diagram
shows a channel BM2 for receiving the shoulder BM1 of the base
device BE (see FIG. 1). If the receptacle AE is to be connected to
the base device BE, the channel BM2 of the receptacle AE is pushed
over the shoulder BM1 (see FIG. 1) of the base device thereby
mechanically fixing the receptacle AE to the base device BE. The
shoulder BM1 and the channel BM2 are designed in this case so that
the mechanical connection that they make is sufficient during
normal use of the holder HAL according to the present invention to
fix base device BE and receptacle AE relative to each other. If the
receptacle AE is also to be secured to the base device BE, this can
be achieved by using a retaining screw through the hole OE3.
[0049] Like FIG. 2, FIG. 3 shows the rear view of the receptacle
AE. In this case, the connector ST2 of the aerial adapter ANE is
inserted in the appropriate hole OE4 (see FIG. 2) and held in
position via the latch BM3 (see FIG. 1).
[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the assembled holder HAL according to the
present invention in the front and rear view. In FIG. 4 the
connector ST1 of the base device BE is visible projecting through a
suitable hole in the receptacle AE. When inserting the mobile phone
in the holder HAL, the phone is first inserted behind the
projections HM2, and the mating connector, located on the underside
of the mobile phone, is pushed onto the connector ST1. Then the
mobile phone is pressed backwards into the clip HM1, automatically
connecting the aerial output socket on the underside of the mobile
phone to the aerial connector. Thereafter, the mobile phone is
automatically connected via the aerial adapter ANE, the associated
connector ST3 and the lead L1 to the in-car aerial and vehicle
module in the car.
[0051] If the mobile phone is to be removed from the holder HAL,
one proceeds in the reverse order from that described above.
[0052] If a different mobile phone is to be used in the same
vehicle, the receptacle AE is pushed down from the base device BE,
if necessary after unscrewing the retaining screw through the hole
OE3, and the aerial connector ST2 is disconnected. Then, a
receptacle AE matching the new mobile phone is selected, the aerial
connector ST2 is inserted in the hole OE4 suitably provided in the
new receptacle AE, and the new receptacle AE with the channel BM2
is pushed onto the shoulder BM1 of the base device. The holder HAL
converted in this way then may be used immediately with the new
mobile phone without needing to change the relevant equipment
installed in the vehicle. If the connectors in the old and new
mobile phone have different designs, an adapter may need to be
attached to one of the connectors ST1 or ST2 or both. This adapter
either may be a separate part or may be connected to the new
receptacle AE. Regardless of this, one still has the advantage that
the electrical installation on base device BE and vehicle can
remain unchanged when replacing the mobile phone.
[0053] The present invention describes a holder for an electronic
device, plus a receptacle configured specifically for the
electronic device, and a base device which includes an integrated
electrical connection element, which is independent of the
receptacle, for establishing an electrical connection between the
electronic device and an external electrical unit. Fixing parts may
be used to fix the receptacle to the base device, resulting in a
holder that can be adapted easily to suit different electronic
devices without needing to change electrical connection elements
mounted in and on the base device. The described holder, receptacle
and base device are based on the fundamental modular design in
which the parts of the holder (modules) that need to be adapted for
mechanical fixing to the electronic device are independent of those
that enable an electrical connection to be established between the
electronic device and an external electrical unit.
[0054] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to specific embodiments, those of skill in the art will
recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the
hereafter appended claims.
* * * * *